Tasmania’s rescue helicopter operator has launched a campaign featuring an endorsement from Premier Jeremy Rockliff as the company marks 25 years of life-saving service across the state.
Rotor-Lift managing director Alanna Corbin said the “Tasmanians saving Tasmanians” message celebrates more than 14,000 missions since the company began operations in 2000.
The Metro bus campaign features a comment from Rockliff describing the crews who save lives on Rotor-Lift helicopters as “the best of the best”.
Corbin said the stickered bus came about through an impromptu bid at a Make-A-Wish Foundation charity auction rather than any grand marketing strategy.
“I put my hand up at the auction and I bought advertising on the bus,” Corbin said.
“And I just thought it was a really lovely way to celebrate with Tasmania for the bus to be around and about Hobart, promoting the fact that we have been here for 25 years and celebrating that milestone.”
The campaign coincides with uncertainty over the company’s future, as Rotor-Lift awaits the outcome of a government tender for aeromedical health services to continue helicopter operations statewide.
Corbin said Tasmania’s challenging conditions, rugged terrain and unpredictable weather – some “the most brutal” in the country – had created exceptional pilots and crew members over the past quarter-century.
“Having that local knowledge for our pilots and our crew is essential,” she said.
“Our pilots are the best of the best in the country and they are because they’ve had to train to that higher level than any other service in Australia.”
Rotor-Lift’s fleet covers the entire state and surrounding waters, responding to mountain medical emergencies, maritime rescues and missing person searches.
The Liberals have promised to award the tender within their first 100 days of government, while Labor pledged during the election campaign to give it directly to Rotor-Lift.
“25 years ago we made a commitment to Tasmania that we would be here in their hour of need and we’ve honoured that promise,” Corbin said.
“And I would like to promise Tasmanians that I will fight to be here and continue to provide the service for Tasmanians.”
